Which way should I go?
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Which way should I go?
After not riding for five years, I have decided to get a used late model Sportster.
I used to ride an ironhead with a kick start only. I'm too old for that stuff now. Anyway, with the money I have budgeted for the bike, I can either get a solid mount 1200 or a rubber mounted 883.
In a perfect world, I would just go for a 2006 1200 and be done with it, but it just aint so. My question is would it be better to opt for a rubber mount 883 and upgrade later to a 1200, or go for a nice 1200 that is a little older without the rubber mounts?
I would rather have a carb model rather than an injected one just for the sake of having a few less sensors. I prefer to do a lot of repairs myself, and I am afraid that the new Sporties with the EFI limits your choices when a repair is needed or just a modification is wanted.
I would appreciate any advice
I used to ride an ironhead with a kick start only. I'm too old for that stuff now. Anyway, with the money I have budgeted for the bike, I can either get a solid mount 1200 or a rubber mounted 883.
In a perfect world, I would just go for a 2006 1200 and be done with it, but it just aint so. My question is would it be better to opt for a rubber mount 883 and upgrade later to a 1200, or go for a nice 1200 that is a little older without the rubber mounts?
I would rather have a carb model rather than an injected one just for the sake of having a few less sensors. I prefer to do a lot of repairs myself, and I am afraid that the new Sporties with the EFI limits your choices when a repair is needed or just a modification is wanted.
I would appreciate any advice
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Which way should I go?
don't think EFI limits you but I'm comfortable with computers and sensors.
I went the 883 rubber mount route.
It seems like you should be able to get a 2 year old 1200 for the same as a 07 883.
After my warranty is up and it's mostly paid off I'm probably going to do the NRHS 1250 conversion.
I don't like chrome either so there wasn't much point for me to get a 1200.
The 883 is plenty peppy and gets pretty good mileage. Insurance is a bit cheaper as well.
I went the 883 rubber mount route.
It seems like you should be able to get a 2 year old 1200 for the same as a 07 883.
After my warranty is up and it's mostly paid off I'm probably going to do the NRHS 1250 conversion.
I don't like chrome either so there wasn't much point for me to get a 1200.
The 883 is plenty peppy and gets pretty good mileage. Insurance is a bit cheaper as well.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which way should I go?
I'd personally say to look for a 1200S. They are great sportys that are usually a little less in price (or so I've heard) since they have less chrome (which is what most people want). They also get great gas mileage.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which way should I go?
I say get an '06 883. I did the 883 conversion to 1200 (OK 1250) thing, causeI don't give a crap about chrome. The rubbermount is such a superior ride, you would have to be nuts to buy an older 1200for the same money on purpose. I have $1500 less into my bike after mods than a 1200 of the same year and it will blow a stock1200 into the weeds. EFI is for suckers who love to make the dealer rich. Carbs rule.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
Likes: 6
From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: Which way should I go?
ORIGINAL: 2wheels4me
I have $1500 less into my bike after mods than a 1200 of the same year and it will blow a stock1200 into the weeds.
I have $1500 less into my bike after mods than a 1200 of the same year and it will blow a stock1200 into the weeds.
Charlie D.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 868
Likes: 6
From: Kentucky
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Which way should I go?
If I understand your question, you are looking at a 2 or 3 year old 883 or a 4-5 year old 1200. Here are some Pros and Cons:
New parts are more expensive and more available for the rubber-mount bikes.
Used parts are much cheaper for the late-model ridgid frame bikes.
Either way, buying used allows you to get one that has the parts you want already on it, such as bars, bags, grips, etc...
The newer 883s have much more performance potential due to the Buell-type heads.
If it was my decision, I would go with the rubber-mount. This buys you two more years of battery life, gives you a better, smoother ride and more up-to-date technology. When you can afford it, you can go with the 1200 conversion, which will run $400-1200 (depending on if you DIY or farm it out).
Good luck with whichever route you chose.
New parts are more expensive and more available for the rubber-mount bikes.
Used parts are much cheaper for the late-model ridgid frame bikes.
Either way, buying used allows you to get one that has the parts you want already on it, such as bars, bags, grips, etc...
The newer 883s have much more performance potential due to the Buell-type heads.
If it was my decision, I would go with the rubber-mount. This buys you two more years of battery life, gives you a better, smoother ride and more up-to-date technology. When you can afford it, you can go with the 1200 conversion, which will run $400-1200 (depending on if you DIY or farm it out).
Good luck with whichever route you chose.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Which way should I go?
ORIGINAL: dbleagle
And you do that with just 50 cc's... Hmmmmm....
Charlie D.
ORIGINAL: 2wheels4me
I have $1500 less into my bike after mods than a 1200 of the same year and it will blow a stock1200 into the weeds.
I have $1500 less into my bike after mods than a 1200 of the same year and it will blow a stock1200 into the weeds.
Charlie D.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Which way should I go?
I dont know about the 07 883's but 06 and down dont come with the buell heads only the 1200 04's and up . unless you add head work or buy new heads and cam it up your going to have a 1200 with 883 heads and simple physics tells you it will not produce the horsepower and torque of a 1200 with the better heads and a more radical cam set up. the 750.00 1250 conversion kit is just that bigger jugs and pistons , still 883 heads and cams . to make the same power and torque you better double the 750.00 figure and you will be in the ball park and the lower gearing dont mean squat since 1st gear will be useless except for pulling wheelies . ever see a drag racer use granny low for a hole shot? I doubt it. the only way you would ever be 1500 dollars ahead is if you compare a bone stock 883 to a 1200 custom . sorry if I offend anybody but that is just the cold hard facts and sometimes the truth hurts. and yes I can back up what I say. I wouldnt be making blanket statements about smoking any type of bike I have seen some baggers that will ruin alot of crotch rocket riders day. you never know the man in the saddle or whats underneath him.